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We stayed in this lovely old house for a weekend away, as part of a fairly large group of friends and neighbours, to beat the pre-Christmas blues around that dreich early November time of year. Helenslea is a large property, but very adaptable - it certainly works well for a big group, but should also suit families with young children and in particular could work well for two families travelling together, as the house naturally falls into two separate "halves" which have their own entrances, but sharing a kitchen. The bedrooms were spotless, and nicely decorated, with each one having its own "theme". The kitchen is very well equipped, and the huge and well-maintained garden (complete with "Hector's House" wendy-house that children would love) is a treat.Other highlights included: a truly spectacular sea view from the front lounge; the enjoyable town of Whiting Bay itself, complete with an excellent art gallery and a friendly local restauranteur at "Coast" who drove us back home to Helenslea after dinner; and the attractive nearby countryside, with excellent walks available to Glenashdale Falls, the "Giants' Graves" neolithic site, Loch na Leirg, Tighvein and the like... This property is an excellent South Arran option, I'd say.

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Overall condition of the property

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Liked best:The sea view from the large front lounge

Liked least:Mobile phone reception can be a bit patchy - but that's a general Arran problem!

Travelling group:Large Group

Your age range35-49

Would you recommend this hotel to a friend?
Yes.

Recommended for:

Friends getaway

Older travelers

Families with young children

Large groups

People with pets

Was the property as advertised?

Would you recommend the location of this property?

Was it a good value for the price paid?

Was your security deposit returned on time?

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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

We have just enjoyed a wonderful week on Arran, staying at Helenslea in Whiting Bay. It is an absolutely stunning house, with terrific sea views and caters for all the weather Arran has to offer in the course of a week! Plenty of board games, a lovely real coal fire, free wi-fi, a BBQ, plenty of space for hide and seek, inside and out, beautiful gardens, putting and the favourite with our son, Hector's House, a wooden wendy house. When self catering, this house has it all, a modern and well equipped kitchen, microwave, larger fridge freezer, electric oven, washing machine and dishwasher. A great dining space for all the family to enjoy an evening meal and a stunning lounge with great sea views and plenty of space for adults and kids to be together doing their own thing. The main thing for us was that it was clean and it was, exceptionally clean, every room was clean and fresh. The house is in a great location, only a couple of miles walk to the beautiful Glenashdale falls, a short walk to the local coffee shop and a few more steps to the pub, plus a great selection of restaurants along the front. We were lucky enough to enjoy the beach a couple of days which again is a short walk away. The owners have thought of everything, from cot, highchair to beach towels, you really only need to take yourself and some friends to fill all the space.

How easy was it to book the property?

How helpful were the directions to the property?

How easy was key pickup/access to the property?

Overall condition of the property

Bedding & mattresses

Kitchen & utensils

Bathroom cleanliness

Other facilities & amenities

Service

Liked best:The garden and views

Travelling group:Extended Family

Would you recommend this hotel to a friend?
Yes.

Recommended for:

Friends getaway

Families with young children

Large groups

Was the property as advertised?

Would you recommend the location of this property?

Was it a good value for the price paid?

Did the property offer wi-fi/internet access?

Was this review helpful? Yes

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

I highly recommend this holiday home which is beautiful inside with a garden and views to match.We stayed with our extended family. There was just so much to do, fabulous beach four minutes away, wonderful walks, great local tearoom and a five minute walk to the local pub both of which overlook the beach.Grandchildren and adults alike were very reluctant to leave. Would definitely return to Arran: a gem in the ocean.

How easy was it to book the property?

How helpful were the directions to the property?

How easy was key pickup/access to the property?

Overall condition of the property

Bedding & mattresses

Kitchen & utensils

Bathroom cleanliness

Other facilities & amenities

Service

Liked best:Being there

Liked least:Having to leave!.

Travelling group:Extended Family

Would you recommend this hotel to a friend?
Yes.

Recommended for:

Friends getaway

Older travelers

Families with young children

Large groups

People with pets

Was this review helpful? Yes

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC

Perfect for a large group/family. Living room and dining room comfortable sat 8 adults and 4 small children. Airy large bedrooms with comfy beds. Wll equipped kitchen. towels and linen provided. Very handy 3 bathrooms/showers. Beautiful garden, very safe for children to play in with a putting green and Wendy house. BBQ was also very well used by us. Stayed here twice and already booked for 2013.

How easy was it to book the property?

How helpful were the directions to the property?

How easy was key pickup/access to the property?

Overall condition of the property

Bedding & mattresses

Kitchen & utensils

Bathroom cleanliness

Other facilities & amenities

Service

Liked best:Airy rooms and garden

Liked least:Small kitchen but still had everything we needed.

Travelling group:Large Group

Would you recommend this hotel to a friend?
Yes.

Recommended for:

Friends getaway

People with disabilities

Older travelers

Families with young children

Large groups

People with pets

Was the property as advertised?

Would you recommend the location of this property?

Was it a good value for the price paid?

Did the property offer wi-fi/internet access?

Was your security deposit returned on time?

Was this review helpful? Yes

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC